| Winning Lots from Auction #15 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
 |
1878 7/8-TF VAM 42 NGC MS63 (Lot 15001)
Only two so-called 7/8-TF varieties show all seven of the underlying tail-feather tips on the eagle, the VAM 41 and this variety, the VAM 42. The VAM 41 was included in the TOP 100 listings, and the VAM 42 is an important part of the HOT 50. What’s exciting here is the fact that this coin is in a premium MS63 holder. Most collectors don’t realize that true MS64 examples are rarely available and prohibitively expensive, so NGC MS63 is near top-of-the-line and super desirable. |
$348.75 |
 |
1878 7-TF VAM 169 PCGS MS62 (Lot 15002)
The VAM 169 has everything going for it, starting with quadrupled stars on the obverse. Such a variety feature is quite unusual in the Morgan dollar series. Furthermore, the VAM 169 is a true rarity in BU. Indeed, it’s quite scarce in grades up through AU and it becomes almost impossible to find in true Mint State. This HOT 50 specimen shows bright luster and is exceedingly attractive. |
$619.88 |
 |
1878 7-TF Rev79 VAM 221 PCGS MS63 (Lot 15003)
Generally speaking, there are four different Reverse Types for silver dollars struck in 1878. Namely, there is the 8-TF Reverse, the so-called 7/8-TF Reverse, the 7-TF Reverse with flat breast “B” Reverse, and the 7-TF with raised, round breast “C” Reverse. This last Reverse Type, often called the “Reverse of ’79,” is the one offered here. And best of all, this is a PCGS high grade example with outstanding luster. |
$157.50 |
 |
1880-O VAM 48 ANACS MS63 (Lot 15004)
The 1880-O VAM 48 “Hangnail” variety was originally cataloged as the VAM 1A, but the VAM Number had to be changed when it was discovered that the reverse was a doubled die with doubling on UNITED. This ANACS MS63 specimen is a particularly high grade for this desirable variety, since any 1880-O Morgan dollar in MS64 has a sheet value of $1370! Lots of coin for the money… |
$506.25 |
 |
1880-S VAM 8 NGC MS63 (Lot 15005)
There are five important overdates for 1880-S. VAMs 8, 9 and 10 are TOP 100 coins. The VAM 11 was included in the HOT 50 listings, and the VAM 12 will appear as part of the upcoming “HIT LIST 40.” But it’s safe to say the original TOP 100 VAM 8, 9 and 10 have a special appeal with collectors. Like the best of the high grade ’80-S examples, this VAM 8 has wonderful luster and lots of eye appeal. |
$175.50 |
 |
1880-S VAM 10 PCGS MS64 (Lot 15006)
The 1880-S VAM 10 is considered the rarest of the five principal overdate varieties, and as such, is the most sought-after variety of the set. A grade of MS64 in a PCGS holder is particularly desirable. A hint of golden orange toning accents this beautiful specimen. |
$371.25 |
 |
1880-S VAM 11 PCGS MS65 (Lot 15007)
Considering all the known Morgan dollar overdates, only one can boast of a “0/9” feature. Indeed, the remains of the underlying “9” are clearly visible inside the “0” of the date. Adding to the allure here is the grade. Sure, you’ve seen ‘80-S VAM 11 specimens offered elsewhere, but we’ll bet you’ve see few, if any, in PCGS MS65. Stunning is the word that comes to mind! |
$292.50 |
 |
1882-O/S VAM 4 ANACS AU55 (Lot 15008)
This consignment coin is above average for the date. Most 1882-O/S specimens have a weak, mushy strike and poor luster, whereas this example is much better in both departments. It’s interesting how the 1882-O/S has taken off in terms of collector popularity since it’s been listed in the Greysheet. With non-variety collectors competing with VAM specialists, the price just keeps going up for O/S varieties in all grades. |
$84.38 |
 |
1882-O/S VAM 5 PCGS MS62 (Lot 15009)
It’s incredible how each grade step up to Mint State makes such a big difference for the 1882-O/S varieties. From AU to MS60 the value goes up from $90 to $180. And in MS63 the Greysheet lists the value at $850! So, any PQ MS62 specimen is especially desirable. It’s what we call the “Pivotal Grade,” below which the variety is available and above which it is prohibitively expensive. Best of all, this lustrous MS62 is in a PCGS holder. Indeed, it’s everything a collector could want in a Mint State O/S variety. |
$292.50 |
 |
1884-O/O VAM 6 ANACS MS63 PL (Lot 15010)
Trying to get a coin into a PL or DMPL holder these days is usually an act of futility! But here is a popular TOP 100 variety in an MS63 PL holder. On this 84-O/O VAM 6 the Repunched Mintmark (RPM) is dramatic and the “look” of the coin is simply outstanding! |
$95.63 |
 |
1884-O/O VAM 30 NGC MS63 PL (Lot 15012)
Repunched Mintmarks represent some of the highest value varieties in many U.S. coin series. While this is not necessarily the case in Morgan dollars, interesting RPMs can still draw an enthusiastic crowd. Here, the combination of an O/O mintmark, a tripled “1” in the date, Proof-Like surfaces, and a relatively high grade, make this NGC MS63PL specimen quite alluring. |
$51.26 |
 |
1885-P VAM 1A PCGS MS63 (Lot 15013)
Three different “Pitted Die” reverses have captured the imagination of many VAM enthusiasts. 1885-P VAMs 1A, 1B and 1C are all included in the HOT 50 listings, and all are part of the PCGS Set Registry. But what’s more important is the high grade of this specimen, where golden brown toning accents its gorgeous original surfaces. PCGS was obviously impressed as well! Under-priced in VAMview, this attractive example should please even the pickiest buyer. (Note that the attribution on the PCGS label, which adds another $20 to the cost of the slab!) |
$112.50 |
 |
1886-P VAM 3 NGC MS64 (Lot 15014)
This is the kind of coin that may be worth buying and putting away, and today that’s exactly the strategy of multitudes of astute collectors. The reason is that the price of MS64 specimens in PCGS and NGC holders may not reflect their actual scarcity. If that’s your strategy as well, then here is a perfect example to salt away. It’s lustrous, and quite attractive. |
$56.25 |
 |
1887-P 7/6 Overdate VAM 2 NGC MS64 PL (Lot 15015)
Here is a "Big Time" coin in a "Big Time" grade! In fact, this is the first "7/6" overdate that we’ve encountered in MS64 Proof-Like! And this TOP 100 variety is not in some "third-world" slab, but rather it resides in an NGC holder. Best of all, this specimen is stunning. In fact, it has the "look" of an even higher grade, and its PL surfaces would have been MS64 DMPL only a few years ago! For those seeking the absolute best quality, here is a VAMquest coin for you! |
$1,181.25 |
 |
1887-O VAM 22A PCGS AU58 (Lot 15016)
This valuable coin was a disaster for the consignor. The variety itself has a strong doubled die obverse, with Liberty’s eyelid clearly doubled. And the reverse is a great “Pitted Die,” with strong pitting on the lower reverse. But the bad news for the consignor was the fact that it was purchased as a nice MS62, but came back from PCGS in an AU58 slab. (The PCGS grader apparently didn’t know this variety is always weakly struck.) In any case, this is a lot of coin for the money. |
$258.75 |
 |
1888-P VAM 8 NGC MS62 (Lot 15018)
This may be one of the nicest MS62’s we’ve seen, considering it’s overall attractiveness and a reverse that’s MS65. A sharp strike and lots of luster add to the equation. And oh yes, it’s a VAM 8 where the date slants way up to the right. So, what is an 1888-P in MS62 worth? Bidders will be the judge. |
$41.74 |
 |
1888-P VAM 19 NGC MS64 (Lot 15019)
As a date, 1888-P is often encountered with subdued luster, week strike, and generally “blah” look. Well, here is the exception! This coin is simply breath-taking. And the VAM 19 displays doubled left stars, which means this one is nice doubled die. Wonderful luster and lots of eye appeal make this specimen a worthwhile addition to any collection. |
$63.23 |
 |
1888-O "Oval O" VAM 6 PCGS AU55 (Lot 15021)
The "Oval O" varieties of 1888-O and 1889-O represent some of the most exciting VAMs in the TOP 100. And examples in PCGS AU55 or better are worth their weight in gold! The coin offered here is the 1888-O VAM 6 is particularly interesting, as it shows strong doubling along the top of the last "8." Also of interest is the current thinking that the top of another "8" is visible in the denticles! Certainly, this is a fascinating "Oval O" variety. Choice AU and ready for the PCGS Registry. |
$202.50 |
 |
1890-P "8 in Denticles" ANACS MS63 (Lot 15022)
There is an entire area of VAM collecting called "Misplaced Dates." For reasons that have never been fully explained, there have been a number of cases where portions of a date number are visible in the denticles below the date. The variety offered here is just such an example, where the top of an "8" can be seen in the denticles. This probably has a VAM number, but we are not aware of it. But what we can say is that the lustrous specimen offered here is quite attractive in an ANACS MS63 holder. |
$46.13 |
 |
1900-O Unattributed PCGS MS64 (Lot 15023)
You can’t help but love coins in PCGS MS64 holders! Why? In most cases, the same specimen would end up in someone else’s MS65 slab! And this coin is no exception. It displays superb luster, Liberty’s cheek is smooth, and the overall "look" says this is a PQ coin! |
$52.50 |
 |
1901-P VAM 13 Discovery Coin NGC AU53 (Lot 15024)
As we’ve said before, discovery coins are one of the drivers of the Morgan and Peace dollar markets. Most are relatively obscure and generally low in grade. So here is an important exception to the rule. First of all, this coin is the discovery 1901-P VAM 13, which is rarely if ever encountered. As for its variety features, Liberty’s profile is doubled and it has a C4/C3 doubled Reverse. It’s the first we’ve seen. But there is the added factor that the 1901-P is a better date in AU. In fact, we’ve seen non-variety 1901-P examples sell for $600-$800 in major auctions. Quite attractive for the grade. |
$225.00 |
 |
1904-O Unattributed NGC MS63 (Lot 15025)
If you like your coins with a hint of golden brown toning around the periphery as an indicator that the coin is “original,” then this breath-taking MS63 is the coin for you! It was so nice, we didn’t even bother to attribute it. Nice luster and eye appeal. |
$38.25 |
 |
1921-P Unattributed NGC MS62 (Lot 15026)
The attraction of this coin is that the surfaces are semi Proof-Like, bordering on full PL. That alone was enough for us to want to offer the coin in one of the VAMquest Auctions. After all, how often do you see PL or DMPL 1921-P Morgans! The way the price of silver is escalating at the time of this writing, the "melt value" of this attractive NGC specimen could exceed the Minimum Bid! |
$22.50 |
 |
1921-D VAM 1A PCGS MS63 (Lot 15027)
Nearly every VAM collector has the 1921-D VAM 1A "Tru-t" variety on his Hit List. The "S" in the word TRUST on the reverse was filled on the die, so that coins struck from this die show only a very week "s." It’s similar to the famous 1922 Plain Lincoln cent, which is one of the keys to that series. Likewise, the 1921-D VAM 1A is rare and quite valuable. And look at the accompanying photo. This "Tru-t" specimen is spectacular. VAMquest is proud to offer this PCGS MS63 example. |
$1,131.19 |
 |
1922-P "Ear Ring" VAM 2A SEGS AU50 (Lot 15028)
Here is a specimen of the Late Die State VAM 2A "Ear Ring" variety. It's so rare that we just couldn't say "no" to the consignor. Even in a SEGS AU50 holder. We would grade it XF45. The luster is there, the strike is there, and the overall "look" is there! If you’re looking for an “Ear Ring” specimen, then here is a great opportunity to acquire this important Peace dollar TOP 50 rarity. |
$360.00 |
 |
1922-P VAM 7(A) PCGS AU58 (Lot 15030)
The 1922-P VAM 7 is known with two different obverses. One shows diagonal polishing lines above the TR on the obverse. The other has a raised "dot" between the "T" and the "R." Both are part of the TOP 50 listings and PCGS does not make a distinction for their holder. The reverse of the VAM 7 is a spectacular doubled die, with dramatic doubling along the right edge of the eagle’s wing. In terms of grade, this lustrous coin would be in an MS63 holder from most grading services. (The cost of the slab, attribution and shipping would about equal the Minimum Bid. So, the coin if virtually free!) |
$112.50 |
 |
1922-P "Moustache" VAM 12A PCGS MS61 (Lot 15031)
If one were to ask a Peace dollar collector who doesn’t specialize in varieties if he can name one VAM, he would undoubtedly mention the 1922-P "Moustache" variety. The VAM 12A is popular with just about everybody with an interest in numismatics! That said, this particular specimen is Mint State and in a PCGS holder. That should insure some spirited bidding! |
$337.50 |
| 1-27 | |
*Price includes the buyers premium.
|
